Rivers
PHCCIMA, Customs Partner To Boost Business Climate
The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to partner the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Rivers State Command to strengthen the frontier of diligent business activities and eliminate invasion of certain regulations within the ports in the state.
President, PHCCIMA, Sir Mike Elechi, who stated this when he led a delegation of the Chamber Executive on a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Comptroller, Area Two Command, Onne Port, Rivers State, Comptroller Auwal Mohammed, said the chamber was also poised to work concertedly with the command to add value in its operation.
While describing Nigeria Customs Service as a gate keeper of the country, Elechi expressed dismay, altitude of some importers and exporters who obtain Certificate of Origin from any Chamber of Commerce outside Port Harcourt instead of the one issued by the City of Origin, and urged the command to collaborate with PHCCIMA to check the trend in the state.
The PHCCIMA president also told Mohammed that not all individuals that criss-cross Onne Port are bona fide members of the chamber, pointing out that they would work with the command to identify genuine members, as according to him, members of the chamber indulge in a legitimate and diligent businesses and never cut corners.
Elechi was well impressed with the visit, which he described as the best courtesy visit ever since his assumption of office, and thanked the comptroller and his deputies for their warm reception and high level operational capacity presentations.
Responding, the Customs Area Comptroller, Area 2 Command, Onne Port, Comptroller Auwal Mohammed welcomed the president and the delegation to his command, asserting that his command would synergise and partner PHCCIMA to entrench legitimate import and export business activities in the state and the country, describing the visit as first in the annals of the command.
Mohammed while declaring open an interactive session during the visit, emphasised that the current Onne Port under his leadership runs an open door policy in line with its statutory functions to facilitate trade operations, remove bottlenecks that hinder the Federal Government policy on ease of doing business as well as encourage patronage of Onne Port with a view to facilitating legitimate trade within the port by constantly holding stakeholders’ enlightenment forum, and commended PHCCIMA Executive for the visit.
The area comptroller and his deputies during the interactive session, spoke extensively on their concerted efforts to make import and export operations easier for operators at the port, and advised the port operators to make good use of the Customs Fast Track Scheme to facilitate their activities and the Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee of the command to resolve their challenges.
He assured Elechi and his delegation of his command’s commitment in quick resolution of operational matters, and promised to harmonise the issue of Certificates of Origin in the command.
Mohammed presented plaque of Award of Excellence to Elechi for his outstanding performance in the development of the chamber.
The chamber president also reciprocated by presenting a souvenir to the customs area comptroller.
Other distinguished members of the president’s entourage on the visit include the 2nd Deputy President, Prince Charles Beke; Publicity Secretary, Pastor Uche Onochie; elected council member, Chief Emeka Ezekwe; the President General, National Shippers Association of Nigeria and Chairman of Professional Services and Consultancy Trade Group of the Chamber, Engr. Innocent Akuvue; member of Financial Services Trade Group and Principal Partner of Madu, Onyekwena & Co. Chartered Accountants, Sir Sampson Madu; Nigeria Shippers Council Officer, Mrs. Patricia Osuma; and the Director General, Mr. Erasmus Chukunda.
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.